"Define Hamlet"

Maybe it is a rotten prompt for an essay. But maybe not, gentle student. Outside of the fact that any writing prompt this time of year is awful, maybe not. Because this one allows for a lot of wiggle room, because Hamlet is vast.

Does he contradict himself? Very well then, he contradicts himself. He is large. He contains multitudes.

Thank you, Uncle Walt, well said. Because the truth of the matter is: Hamlet has much depth. There are several character traits, both strengths and flaws, consistent and irrationally not, to discover and discuss. There are mountains and mountains of scholarship dedicated to this very thing, that of all Shakespeare's creations, Hamlet just might be the most human. And, therefore, for our services, the best character to plumb.

And before we get swallowed up by the options, let us organize. A few tips to get you started and thinking in the right direction:

1. If you had to describe Hamlet in a word, what's the word? How about for just Act 1? How about for just Act 1 scene 5 while talking with his ghost-dad? How about a second word (or synonym) for just Act 1 scene 5 while talking with ghosty? How about for his second soliloquy? How about for his third? And a synonym? And another synonym? Make a list.

Finally, how about organizing all of these words? Which words corroborate? Which contradict? Is it a contradiction? How can we qualify these contradictions? If we take this tip seriously, then the connections you make here will write the paper.

2. Visit the "Hamlet" tab on this blog. It's more than just the full text of the play; embedded within are several clips from several different versions of the play. Drama is meant to be seen. Go watch.

Next up: introduction paragraphs and thesis statements